Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited is introducing a new program this year referred to as “Priority Waters” https://prioritywaters.tu.org/.  As defined by TU, “Priority Waters are the rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds across the country where Trout Unlimited is directing our energies to care for and recover wild and native trout and salmon watersheds.”  You can access the maps of rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds by clicking on that link.  All streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are considered priority waters by Trout Unlimited.  This designation reinforces the importance of the mission of Little River Chapter “to conserve, protect and restore the coldwater fisheries and their watersheds in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.”  Trout Unlimted specifically mentions the 115 Stream Barrier Surveys accomplished by LRCTU members and the Brook Trout specialty license plates as the two initiatives in Tennesee directly supporting Priority Waters.  If you are interested in working on a Stream Barrier Survey team contact Bernie Maloy (52bazzman@gmail.com).

Brook trout license plates are more than a pretty picture.  These specialty license plate sales have created over $100,000 of annual funding that go directly to the Tennessee Council of Trout Unlimited.  These funds are then available as grant money for projects sponsored by local TU Chapters.  LRCTU was awarded an $11,510 grant for Brook Trout Population Genetic Assessments in GSMNP.  Please consider purchasing a brook trout specialty plate the next time you register your vehicle.

Our Chapter is fortunate to be located in an area with numerous opportunities to volunteer for conservation, community science, and youth education projects. Opportunities include assisting the GSMNP Fisheries Department with their work in the national park, Stream Barrier Surveys in GSMNP, Trout in the Classroom, and the John Thurman Trout Adventure Camp.  Matt Kulp, GSMNP Supervisory Fisheries Biologist, will be holding the annual Fisheries Department volunteer meeting at Twin Creeks Science Center on February 17 at 9:00 a.m.  Additional information on this meeting is provided in the newsletter under “Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities.”

The Spring session of Trout in the Classroom begins on February 1st with the delivery of about 200 eggs to each participating school.  The magnitude of the Trout in the Classroom program is only limited by the size of our volunteer base.  If you are interested in becoming involved in the TIC program, contact Kim Emery (kim@topshelfedu.com).

The first Chapter meeting of the year will be held on Wednesday (yes, it’s a Wednesday), January 24 at the Bluetick Tavern in Maryville.  Matt Kulp, Supervisory Fisheries Biologist for GSMNP, will be the featured speaker.  You will not want to miss Matt’s annual update on GSMNP fisheries projects.  The Chapter will also be presenting a donation to the GSMNP Fisheries Department of $9,794!

January 2024 Newsletter

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated in the 2023 LRCTU On-Line Auction Fundraiser.  This year’s auction raised over $9,500 which is a 60% increase from last year’s auction and over twice the amount raised in our initial auction held two years ago.   At least 80% of the auction proceeds will be donated to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) Fisheries Department.  The growth and success of the auction would not have been possible without the support of LRCTU members, local businesses, and guides who donated goods and services, volunteers willing to collect and deliver auction items, and members bidding generously.

The fall Trout in the Classroom (TIC) session concluded with the final trout release of the year on a frosty December morning at the Townsend KOA Campgroud.  The TIC Committee continues to do an outstanding job of organizing and managing this program.  The magnitude of the Trout in the Classroom program is only limited by the size of our volunteer base.  If you are interested in becoming involved in the TIC program, contact Kim Emery at kim@topshelfedu.com.

Stream Barrier Surveys will continue throughout the winter months in GSMNP.  Phase 1 was completed in April 2023, and is already being used to make decisions regarding culvert replacements in GSMNP.  We are currently surveying Phase 2 locations identified by the Park Service and the Southern Appalachian Region of Trout Unlimited.  If you are interested in working on a Stream Barrier Survey team contact Bernie Maloy at 52bazzman@gmail.com.

The first Chapter meeting of the new year will be held on Wednesday, January 24at the Bluetick Tavern in Maryville.  Matt Kulp, Supervisory Fisheries Biologist for GSMNP, will be the featured speaker.  You will not want to miss Matt’s annual update on GSMNP fisheries projects.

Bob Bishop
President

December 2023 Newsletter

The annual LRCTU On-Line Auction Fundraiser begins on November 20th. Please
keep in mind the auction is more than just an opportunity to get a great deal. More
importantly, it is a chance to make a significant contribution to the Fisheries
Department while showing appreciation for the hard work involved by individuals
donating their time and creating these one of a kind items. You can contribute by
bidding on auction items or by making a direct donation through the auction website.
At least 80% of the auction proceeds will be donated to the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park (GSMNP) Fisheries Department.

Stream Barrier Surveys resumed on November 9th in the Greenbrier section of
GSMNP. Several National Park visitors noticed the new LRCTU logo safety vests
and stopped to talk with us about volunteer work in the National Park and the
mission of the Little River Chapter. These safety vests will also be used during the
Pistol Creek Clean-Up on December 9th. Pistol Creek Clean-Up is a great
opportunity for us to promote our Chapter while participating in a local conservation
project.

The last Chapter meeting of the year will be held on November 30th at the
Chilhowee Club on the Maryville College Campus. Focus of the meeting will be on
viewing auction items and socializing with our TU friends.

Additional information on the above events are in this month’s newsletter.

Bob Bishop
President